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Okavango Horse Safaris
Okavango Horse Safaris is based in the vast inland Okavango Delta which teems with game and birdlife. The terrain is fascinating, with a large variety of flora and fauna. Expect to ride over water meadows, palm islands, grassy flood plains, mopane forests and clear streams. You will get close to herds of wildebeest and zebra, gallop alongside giraffe and watch the intricate network of the bush unfold in front of you without the sound of an engine. Okavango Horse Safaris is owned and run by PJ and Barney Bestelink who, having kept horses in the Okavango for over a decade, are true experts in this part of the Delta. It is this extra dimension that they bring to the safari that makes this one of the best rides in Africa.
Rides here are generally medium to fast paced; you should be able to trot for at least 10 minutes and happy at a canter or gallop. You can ride up to six hours a day with saddlebag breakfasts and picnic lunches en route. There are over 50 horses which are either thoroughbred or Anglo Arabs, all of their horses are over 14 hh.
You can choose between five, seven or ten day set departures. On the ten day rides you will see most of the area and starting at the base camp (Kujwana Camp) which has comfortable en suite tents for up to 10 guests. You will then be able to explore the area to the northwest and spend time at Moklowane, situated in the open flood plains. The vegetation consists of smaller palm island and wide open spaces.
The accommodation here is in tree houses offering fantastic views. Then move to Kiri/Xwaapu Fly Camp to the east. This camp is in the permanent delta water and moves site according to access with water levels. You will generally ride in the early morning, followed by a longish lunch break before heading back out again. Usually, you are given a day off in the middle of your safari in order to rest yourselves and the horses and enjoy other forms of game viewing. Non-riders are welcome here and are able to move with the riding guests to the various fly camps and join the non-riding activities and picnics. Evening bird walks or mokoro rides (water levels permitting), and afternoon game drives are all on offer.
Okavango Horse Safaris - Fact Box
Horse type |
Thoroughbreds and crosses, Arab and Anglo Arab | |
| Saddles used | English |
|
| Maximum number | 8 riders |
|
| Hours in the saddle per day | Between 4 and 6 hours | |
| Standard of riding required | Competent to experienced |
| Children accepted? | Yes, but must have a P.C. certificate or letter from qualified instructor |
|
| When to go? | All year except December, January and February |
|
| Non-riders welcome? | Yes - but need advance warning | |
| Activities other than riding | Game drives, guided walks, mokoro trips and evening bird walks |